Big Picture: RR, RCB aim for course correction after recent setbacks
While many teams have struggled to settle into a single home venue, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have had to juggle two. After kicking off their campaign in Guwahati, they now return to their true home ground — the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur — nearly three weeks into IPL 2025, looking to steady their campaign after a patchy start.
Standing in their way are the high-flying Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have turned into road warriors this season. They’ve notched up landmark away wins: beating Mumbai Indians at Wankhede for the first time in a decade, toppling Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk after 17 years, and defeating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
RCB’s away numbers are telling: they average 39.6 per wicket with the bat and score at 10.5 runs per over — significantly higher than their home averages of 22.1 and 8.3. Their bowlers, too, have been sharper on the road, averaging 21.2 compared to a costly 56.4 at home. However, a quick turnaround poses a challenge — they arrive in Jaipur just two nights after a loss to Delhi Capitals.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also coming off a tough defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT), but there are encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Their bowling unit is gradually falling into place. The powerplay attack has shown noticeable improvement as the tournament has progressed, with Jofra Archer rediscovering his rhythm and menace. Sandeep Sharma has added consistency to the mix and remains a key weapon — especially against Virat Kohli, whom he has dismissed more than any other bowler in IPL history: seven times in 16 innings.
Form guide
Rajasthan Royals LWWLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru LWLWW
Team news and likely XIIs
Samson said Wanindu Hasaranga rejoined the team last night and is available for selection.
Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Sanju Samson (capt, wk), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande/Kumar Kartikeya, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Fazalhaq Farooqi
RCB are unlikely to tinker with their combination right now, although Jacob Bethell offers a left-hand option in the middle order if they feel the need to replace the patchy Liam Livingstone.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone/Jacob Bethell, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma
